Chen Jie understood, and couldn't help but despise Zhang Dekang. As the head of Fengxiang Prefecture, he must have been a close friend of the pseudo-prefect, but he betrayed his friend for his own life and prosperity. Not only did he betray him, but he also took his friend's head. As a basis for claiming credit, the difference in character is simply indescribable. However, thinking of what my eldest brother had said in the letter, I suppressed the feeling of disgust and said, "Master Zhang, you have given up the dark side and turned to the bright side. That's very good! I welcome you on behalf of King Yan!"
Zhang Dekang was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed: "I am willing to serve His Highness King Yan!" Then he was moved to tears and said: "I have long wanted to serve King Yan, but I didn't expect that today I finally got my wish!"
Seeing his kindness, Chen Jie couldn't help but get goosebumps all over his body, and said: "Fengxiang Mansion will be temporarily handed over to you to manage. When I report this matter to King Yan, maybe King Yan will officially appoint you as Fengxiang Mansion. The prefect."
Zhang Dekang had already thought about this. Hearing this, he was overjoyed and thanked him quickly, then led Shi Jin and Yan Yun's army into the city. When I came to the city gate, I saw countless torches shining like daylight at the city gate, and the sound of Sizhu's gongs and drums rang loudly, which was to welcome Yan Yun's army into the city.
Yanyun's army once again captured Fengxiang Mansion without bloodshed. Immediately afterwards, Shi Jin followed the plan he had made before and refused to station troops. At the same time, he sent many envoys to the northwest states and counties to persuade them to surrender.
His eyes turned back to Yang Yanzhao. After the Battle of Wudinghe, the 70,000 Yanyun Army immediately took advantage of the situation and marched north. However, Yeli Yuqi and Epang originally wanted to lead their remaining troops to retreat to Yinzhou and other reinforcements, but they were bitten by the Xuanjia Army led by the Kingdom of Zhanjin. If you keep following and chasing, you will not only suffer heavy losses, but you will also be confused and uninterested in fighting.
The two led the remaining defeated generals to flee to Yingzhou City. Before they could enter the city, Xuanjia Army caught up with them again. After a fierce fight, another corpse was left behind, and they fled in separate directions towards the left wing of the Shenyong Army Division and the Xiangyou Army Division.
Zhanjin Kingdom did not continue the pursuit and turned to attack Yinzhou. There was no defender in Yinzhou City, only many government officials. They dispersed under the attack of Xuanjia Army, and Xuanjia Army entered Yinzhou City. At this point, the flames of war finally burned into the Xixia mainland. This was probably something that the Xixia monarchs and ministers had not expected before. After the Jin Kingdom occupied Yinzhou, the soldiers were exhausted and stopped to rest and wait for the large army.
His eyes turned to Bianjing. Wang Yuan hurried to his father's mansion, saw his father, and said anxiously: "Father, I just received the news from Qingfeng Road," "Oh? How is it? Have Yanyun and Xixia already started a war? How is the war going? "Wang Yuan said: "Not only has it started, the two sides have already fought fiercely for several times! Xixia suffered a series of defeats. First, the more than 200,000 troops that attacked Suide were wiped out, and then reinforcements from the Shenyong Army Division and Xiangyou Army Division in the left wing were sent south. The 80,000-strong army suffered another major defeat at Wuding River. It is said that not many of the 80,000-strong army escaped. The situation is very unfavorable for Xixia!"
Wang Qinruo was stunned for a long time and said with emotion: "Yan Yun's army is really powerful!" Then he said very happily: "Fortunately, I didn't rush to speak before His Majesty this time, otherwise the situation would have been bad!" Wang Yuan said with deep understanding. He nodded and said, "Xi Xia suffered a huge setback this time. I'm afraid it's something I've never encountered before! And Yan Yun is afraid that this time he will reap endless benefits!"
Wang Qinruo thought and shook his head, "I'm afraid not necessarily. How can Xixia be willing to do this? They will definitely concentrate all their efforts on fighting Yanyun's army. It's hard to say who will win in the end! But what is certain is that no matter which side wins, they will win. Pay a huge price!"
Wang Yuan's eyes lit up, "Father, can we take the opportunity to attack Yan Yun?" Wang Qinruo couldn't make up his mind, "It's hard to say! Let's have another look!" At this moment, the housekeeper rushed in and reported: "Master, Young Master, Master Ye Lirong is here." Wang Qinruo and Wang Yuan looked at each other. Wang Qinruo said with some distress: "I'm afraid he's here again to ask about something tense!" He said to the housekeeper: "Invite him in." The housekeeper responded. With a cry, he retreated, and after a moment he led the Xixia envoy to the lobby. Ye Lirong met Wang Qinruo and Wang Yuan, and before he could sit down, he asked, "It's been so many days. Is there any progress?"
Wang Qinruo sighed, "I am entrusted by your lord, how dare I neglect it? During this period, I will persuade the emperor to recruit troops whenever I have the opportunity. However, because the previous Northern Expeditions failed and the losses were not small, the emperor was very cautious and hesitant about this matter. Decision, and with Taishi Pang and others trying to cause trouble on the side, this matter will be even more difficult to handle!..."
Ye Lirong frowned, "So, this matter can't be done?" Wang Qinruo said: "Although the matter is difficult, I still have some results with my efforts. However, at this time, something bad happened When the news came, the emperor's newly aroused determination disappeared in an instant! Alas, it can be said that man's calculation is not as good as God's calculation! "
When Ye Lirong heard all the bad news coming from him, he immediately felt uneasy and asked hurriedly: "I wonder what the bad news is?" Ye Lirong came to Lin'an and had difficulty contacting Xixia, so he did not Know about the recent wars. Wang Qinruo showed surprise, "Your Majesty, you don't know?" Ye Lirong shook his head, "Please tell me, Prime Minister!"
Wang Qinruo frowned and glanced at Ye Lirong, "I just received a report that the Xixia Army and the Yanyun Army have fought several battles, but Xixia was unlucky and both lost."
Ye Lirong's heart skipped a beat and he asked hurriedly: "What happened?" "Li Yuanzhong, the general of Xixia, led a force of 240,000 to attack Suide, but was tricked by Yan Yun and the whole army was wiped out in one battle!... ..." Ye Lirong suddenly heard the news and almost fainted, only to hear Wang Qinruo say again: "Then the Yanyun Army surrounded Yan'an Prefecture, and the 80,000 troops of your country's Zuoxiang Shenyong Army Division and Xiangyou Army Division went south. Reinforcement, but encountered an ambush by Yang Yanzhao's troops at Wuding River in the territory of the Sui German Army. Not many people escaped. At the same time, Yanyun's Ninth Army Corps left Tongzhou and headed west with overwhelming force. Countless states and counties surrendered, even Fengxiang Prefecture It was also captured by the Yanyun Army! The current situation in northern Shaanxi and Gansu is very unfavorable for your country!"
Ye Lirong was panicked and didn't know what to do. He didn't expect that the situation would quickly deteriorate to such an extent. It felt incredible. Then he calmed down, frowned and murmured: "The Yanyun Army counterattacked so quickly and advanced so quickly. I'm afraid, I'm afraid they have already planned to capture Shaanxi and Gansu! Damn it, they have no sincerity at all in peace negotiations with our country. From the beginning. In the end, it’s all to deceive our country!”
Wang Qinruo and Wang Yuan looked at each other and said secretly: Don't you two have the same thoughts? You can't blame yourself even if you take fifty steps! Ye Lirong suddenly raised his head, clasped his fists towards Wang Qinruo and said: "I beg the Prime Minister to help us to help the Song Dynasty send troops to the Northern Expedition! As long as the Song Dynasty sends troops, no matter what the Prime Minister has requested, our country will agree!"
Wang Qinruo and his son couldn't help but feel very moved. Ye Lirong's words were like writing a blank check for Qin Hui to fill in. The appeal of a blank check issued by a country can be imagined. However, thinking of Yan Yun's past achievements and the current attitude of the emperor, Wang Qinruo couldn't help but hesitate. He felt that although the Xixia people's conditions were attractive, the matter was also very difficult.
"I, the Prime Minister, am deeply grateful for your kindness and friendship. I will do my best!" Wang Qinruo said.
Ye Lirong said, "Thank you so much, Prime Minister!" Looking back, Xixia Generalissimo Li Zongdao led an army of 300,000 people out of the capital Xingqing Mansion and headed south, preparing to support Yan'an Mansion. At this moment, the news came that Yeli Yuqi and Epang were defeated and Yanyun's army invaded Yinzhou. The country of Xixia suddenly became frightened. Li Zongdao, in view of the critical situation in the direction of Yinzhou, immediately ordered his capable general Li Fenglong to lead One hundred thousand troops rushed to the southeast to assist the Xiangyou Army Division and the Left Wing Shenyong Army Division. At the same time, they sent an order to Yeli if they encountered Qi and Epan. Then the army continued to move south.
A few days later, the army passed through the Changcheng Ridge in Hongzhou and entered the Yongxing Military Road, which was formerly part of the Northern Song Dynasty. At this time, the scouts came with news that Yan'an Mansion was still holding on and Yan Yun's army had not been able to invade Yan'an Mansion. When the generals heard the news, their morale was greatly boosted, and they all asked for orders to be forwards and rush to Yan'an Prefecture. However, Li Zongdao looked thoughtful, and his eyebrows showed a bit of solemnity. Seeing this situation, all the generals could not help but become quiet.
The general asked anxiously: "Generalissimo, is there anything wrong with this matter?" Li Zongdao glanced at the generals, "Have you ever thought about how sharp Yanyun's army is? Li Yuanzhong's 240,000-strong army was instantly The whole army was wiped out in an instant, but why has it been so many days since Yan'an Prefecture was surrounded by absolute superiority that it still hasn't been broken?" The generals looked at each other, and General Li Yuan said: "Perhaps it's because Yan'an Prefecture is easy to defend but difficult to attack?"
Li Zongdao said: "It is true that Yan'an Mansion is not easy to break, but it cannot be said to be the Great Pass. According to my estimation, if Yan Yun's army attacks the city with all its strength, Li Yuanzhong's defeated army of less than 20,000 will be able to withstand it for three days at most. ! But after so many days, Yan'an Mansion is still in our hands. This is really strange!"
The generals still didn't understand what Li Zongdao meant. Only Li Yuantong thought about it, changed his color slightly and said, "Could it be that the Yanyun Army deliberately kept Yan'an Mansion...?" The generals were stunned, and Li Zongdao nodded: "Nine times out of ten, that's the case! If my prediction is correct, at this moment, the Yan Yun Army's killing move has been buried somewhere on the way to Yan'an Mansion, waiting for us to get in! What a clever plan to siege the city and bring reinforcements! "
All the generals looked at each other, feeling a little shuddering. The general asked anxiously: "Then what should we do? Should we sit back and watch the fall of Yan'an Prefecture?" Li Zongdao frowned and said: "First of all, we must understand the strength and layout of the enemy's troops, otherwise it will be too dangerous to act rashly without knowing anything! "Looking at Li Yuantong, "Yuantong, you immediately select a hundred smart people who dare to die and divide them into two groups. One group will go to the vicinity of Yan'an Prefecture to investigate, and the other group will go along here to Yan'an Prefecture to investigate. If there is any suspicious situation, report it immediately. !”
At the same time as the rain of arrows fell, the shouts and the sound of horse hooves suddenly rang loudly. Thousands of Yanyun warriors rushed out of the woods and ran into the hurried Xixia army. The Xixia Army was caught off guard and could not withstand it at all. The entire army was rushed to pieces in an instant. Horse hooves were seen flying in the cold light. The soldiers of the Xixia Army fell to the ground with blood spattered. Those who fought and those who fled, the scene was chaotic.
At this moment, another earth-shattering shout came from the other side. Li Yuanzhong, who was leading his army to break out of the encirclement, was startled. He quickly followed the sound and saw nearly ten thousand Yanyun cavalry rushing from the other direction. The Xixia army was already in a mess. How could it withstand the fierce attack of such a fresh force from Yanyun? In the blink of an eye, the Xixia army completely collapsed, and wolves and pigs were running wildly in all directions.
Li Yuanzhong did not care about his subordinates and galloped towards the northwest. The other soldiers ran away regardless of their lives. Under the moonlit night, the mountains and plains were filled with figures of Xixia troops fleeing for their lives. Yan Yun's troops were chasing and killing them everywhere, shouting and screaming. Into one piece. …
Early the next morning, the people of Yan'an Mansion got up one after another. After washing and eating, they became worried again. These days, Yan Yun's army besieged the city and Yan'an Mansion was in danger. The ordinary people in the city were worried all day long, fearing a fierce attack by Yan Yun's army. In the city, ordinary people like them will suffer disaster. Although there are rumors that Yan Yun's army has strict military discipline and does not mess with the people, but the rumors are still rumors. No one has seen it. In fact, in terms of feeling, the people still hope to be under Yan Yun's rule. After all, everyone is Han people.
As usual, an old man opened the window and looked towards the city wall. He suddenly saw a two-winged flying tiger flag fluttering in the wind on the city tower. The old man was stunned and thought he had seen it wrong. He rubbed his eyes, opened his eyes wide and looked again. Sure enough, it was a flying tiger with two wings and a flag. The old man felt very incredible. Immediately, I saw a group of soldiers walking through the street outside. The clothes and armor they wore were completely different from those of the Xixia Army, and they did not look like the Jinren and imperial troops. They looked more like the legendary Yanyun Army, red and black. A, very tough.
The old man quickly put down the window, ran into the yard, and shouted: "Old woman, old woman..." The old woman who was cleaning the yard stood up and glared: "What is the ghost's name so early in the morning? If those damn Xixia people hear it, Aren’t they going to treat us as spies!”
The old man shook his head quickly, pointed outside and said: "The Xixia people, the Xixia people are gone! In the city, they are all Yan Yun Army!" The old woman did not react for a moment, with an unbelievable look on her face, "Is this possible? Yan Yun Army Why did they enter the city so silently?" The old man shook his head, "I don't know either, but the Yan Yun Army has definitely entered the city!"
Like the old couple, all the people in the city were shocked that Yan Yun's army occupied Yan'an Mansion silently. After the shock, there was worry. The people of Yan'an Prefecture, who had experienced countless military disasters, had been robbed, looted by the imperial army, and swept away by the Xixia army. They were worried that the Yanyun Army in front of them would be like other armies. They slaughtered them as pigs and sheep. People who still had some money and food left quickly hid all the money and food. People who had young daughters at home smeared all kinds of filthy things on their daughters, making them dirty and smelly, hoping that this would make their daughters better. Escaped, these methods have proven to be very effective in previous military disasters.
However, time gradually passed, and the Yan'an Mansion was very peaceful. The Yanyun Army did not harass any people. At the same time, soldiers from the Yanyun Army came to the streets and alleys, beating gongs and loudly shouting: "Fathers and fellow villagers, listen , We Yanyun Army are the soldiers of the fellow villagers, and we protect the fellow villagers! Don’t be afraid! If you encounter an emergency, you can ask for help from the sergeants on the street, they will help you!..." Over and over again, constantly Repeating these words.
The uneasy hearts of the people gradually calmed down. Soon after, some people took to the streets, and the streets became more and more lively. At the same time, Yang Yanzhao, Xiao Duoli and others had left Yan'an Mansion and rushed to the security guard. Only five thousand soldiers and horses were left in Yan'an Mansion, first to guard and secondly to guard the prisoners.
Li Zongdao led nearly ten thousand defeated soldiers and fled to the north of Baoan Prefecture. He saw traces of battle everywhere in the wilderness, and his heart sank. At this moment, the scout who was scouting ahead came back and reported urgently: "Generalissimo, it's not good! One day ago, the enemy troops ambushing near the security guard suddenly launched an attack. General Li Yuantong led his troops to fight fiercely with the opponent. After three battles and three defeats, we have now retreated to Changcheng Ridge and are resisting the enemy's fierce attack!"
Li Zongdao's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice: "Yang Yanzhao..., is he a human or a ghost? He actually beat me every step of the way!" Ye Ji asked at a loss: "Generalissimo, now is the time. What should we do?" Li Zongdao thought for a moment, frowned and said: "Now there is no other way. We can only retreat to Changcheng Ridge to join Yuantong and the others, hold off the enemy, and wait for the Yuan army! Let's go!" He waved his riding whip, spurred his horse and was stabbed towards the north, and all the soldiers quickly followed.
When Li Zongdao rushed to the foot of the Great Wall Ridge, a fierce and magnificent battle was going on: The Yanyun army hit the defense line on the ridge one after another like a sea wave. The Xixia army used bows, arrows, swords, guns and rocks to resist. The steep The hillside was already littered with corpses.
Li Tian discovered that a group of Xixia cavalry suddenly appeared from the side and rear. Worried that something might happen to the attacking troops, he immediately ordered the army to stop the attack and mobilized 5,000 cavalry to go east to prepare for a surprise attack by the enemy's cavalry.
Li Zongdao originally wanted to launch a surprise attack on the rear of Yanyun's army. However, seeing that the other party had noticed his arrival and had made corresponding arrangements, he gave up the surprise attack and led his troops towards the Great Wall Ridge.
When Li Tian saw this, he ordered his troops to withdraw and return to the camp. Yanyun's army withdrew in an orderly manner and retreated into the military camp. Li Zongdao led the army into the military camp on the mountain. Li Yuantong immediately came to greet him with all the generals, saying, "I have seen the Generalissimo!" Li Zongdao and others got off their horses and walked quickly towards the tent, followed closely by Li Yuantong and others. Afterwards, the 10,000 cavalrymen brought by Li Zongdao followed a general and went down to rest.
When everyone entered the tent, Li Zongdao went straight up, turned around, glanced at Li Yuantong and other generals, frowned and asked, "What happened in the past few days when I left?"
Li Yuantong couldn't help but sigh, "Reporting to the Generalissimo, the enemy troops who were supposed to be ambushing the security guard suddenly came out to attack us just one day ago! The enemy troops outnumbered us. Although we tried our best to fight against them, they still failed. Undefeated, they finally retreated to the Great Wall Ridge, relying on this dangerous terrain to finally withstand the enemy's attack!" Li Zongdao frowned. Li Yuantong asked: "I wonder when the main cavalry will come back?" He saw only 10,000 cavalrymen, and thought that a large group of cavalry was behind.
Li Yuantong saw Li Zongdao's expression suddenly become strange, and then heard him sigh and murmur: "They can't come back!"
Li Yuantong was shocked, "Why is this?" Li Zongdao sighed, not knowing what to say. Ye Ji said: "Yang Yanzhao was so cunning. He actually anticipated our army's actions and set up an ambush! Our army was eager to rescue Yan'an Mansion and failed to guard against their approach. As a result, hey, most of the troops were killed. That’s all that comes back!”
Li Yuantong and others were stunned for a moment, not knowing what to say. They just felt that it might be difficult to defend the Great Wall Ridge! Li Zongdao asked: "Yuan Tong, how many troops and horses do you have here?" Li Yuantong came back to his senses and reported back: "More than 30,000 troops and horses were lost in the fierce battle for more than a day. Now there are still more than 60,000 troops. No. To 70,000!”
Li Zongdao pondered for a moment, glanced at everyone with firm eyes, and said categorically: "We must defend the Great Wall Ridge no matter what! Behind the Great Wall Ridge is our country, and we must not let Yan Yun's army enter our land!" The generals Originally, his morale was low because he heard the news of the cavalry's defeat. But after hearing what Li Zongdao said, an inexplicable impulse came to his heart. Li Yuantong bowed and said: "The general will swear to defend Changcheng Ridge and never let Yan Yun's army step into Daxia Kingdom!" The generals behind Li Yuantong shouted in unison: "I swear to defend Changcheng Ridge and never let Yan Yun's army step into Daxia Kingdom!" Take a step into Daxia Kingdom!"
Li Zongdao was very pleased, nodded, and sighed: "Daxia has loyal and brave men like you, why should we be afraid of Yanyun's army!" All the generals were very excited and wanted to rush down the mountain to have a battle with Yanyun's army. I am willing to give up my life!
Li Zongdao sat down and said: "Although we have suffered consecutive defeats, the situation is not one-sided! As long as we persist for a few days, the backup troops will come up. At that time, the situation will reverse, and it is still unclear who will win!" Looking in the direction Li Yuantong, "Yuantong, is there any news about Fenglong?" Li Zongdao was talking about Li Fenglong. Previously, Li Zongdao ordered Li Fenglong to lead an army of 100,000 to support the left wing Shenyong Army Division and Xiangyou Army Division. I don't know what the situation is like. .
Li Yuan said: "I just received a military report from over there this morning. Our army is confronting the enemy. The situation is quite stable." Li Zongdao nodded, "That's good!" Then he sighed with infinite emotion. He said: "The Yanyun Army's elite soldiers are well-deserved for their bravery. I was a little careless!" After nightfall, a thousand-man Yanyun Army secretly entered a mountain col on the right side of Changcheng Ridge. During the battle during the day today, Li Tian had already noticed this mountain col. At that time, he formulated a plan to sneak attack the Great Wall Ridge and then cooperate inside and outside to attack the Great Wall Ridge.
At the same time as these thousands of elites entered the mountain col, Li Tianrun quietly led a large group of soldiers and horses to approach Changcheng Ridge. He only waited for the thousands of elites to climb up the mountain and attack the enemy camp. The enemy was in chaos, and then they attacked the mountain massively!
What happened after all, let’s see what happens next.
